Several team members played club volleyball over the summer, which helps them and the team, Winter said.

The season’s first practice was Aug. 13 and the first tournament was Saturday.

Winter said she knew some of the eight teams in the first tournament are heavy on juniors and seniors with a lot of experience.

Peabody’s team has a freshman and a sophomore in the starting line-up.

“We’re young,” Winter said.

A new rule this year that sports teams can only practice once a day hasn’t been a hardship because the team practices inside an air-conditioned gymnasium, Winter said.

The special education teacher likes the fact that participating in volleyball boosts learning students don’t get when reading textbooks.

“Extracurricular activities are proven to improve their sense of self-worth,” Winter said. “Graduation rates are higher. They learn how to work together as a team. They learn goal-setting, tracking, discipline, and dedication.”